Photographing People You Don't Know When Traveling

Photographing strangers can be a daunting thought, especially when your traveling in a different country. It needn't be a scary thought, many people are perfectly happy to have their photographs taken, some even want to be photographed.

Here is a guide that will help you to feel more confident and relaxed when photographing strangers.

• Your Approach. This may sound obvious but its one of the most important. If you see a person you would like to photograph approach them with a big friendly smile. Don’t rush towards them pointing your camera. Approach them in a way that you would like to be approached yourself. Make them feel comfortable and you will get the best results.

• Asking permission. I would always recommend you to ask the permission of the person you are photographing. Asking permission allows you to use the best lens, experiment with framing, take multiple shots and build a report with the person. If your request is denied, accept with good grace and move on. Don’t expect everyone in the area to say no but do check there are no cultural or religious reasons you shouldn’t take photographs. Its a good idea to learn ‘Can I Take your Photo’ in different languages. You can read more about asking permission before you take someones photograph.

• Ask them to pose or move. Once you have the persons permission, don’t feel worried to ask them to move slightly, to look at you, or away or to look at what they are doing. Demonstrate yourself what you want them to do. If their face is in shadow, for example, ask them to move slightly into to light. Remember to be quick and polite.

• Show them their portrait. Once you have taken the photograph show them on the LCD screen. They will be happy to see themselves and it will end the encounter with them on a positive note.

• Photograph people who provide goods or services to you. This will give you confidence in taking photographs of people you don’t know. After a ride in a Tuk Tuk or when you have brought something from a market stall, ask the person to take their photograph. Very rarely will they say no and you will get a great photograph of a great memory.

• Paying for photos. In many popular destinations people may ask you for money in return for a photo. This is a completely personal choice as to weather you want to pay for your photo. Don’t pay to take someones photograph if its not requested and always arrange a price first. You can read more about paying for peoples photographs when traveling.

Capturing portraits when you travel will help you capture the county. Its important to be respectful and gain the trust of the people who's country your traveling in.

You can read more about how to photograph people when traveling and how to get permission from the people your photographing.